SOAN 205 | Heritage of Asia: Nature, Culture, and the Politics of the Past

This course aims to enable students to acquire a critical understanding of the theories and practices of heritage by scrutinizing the ideas of "heritage" and its formation in recent decades. We will critically engage the definition of heritage with reference to policies and treaties set up by international organizations like UNESCO and state governments. Addressing heritage both as an academic discipline and as a professional field, the course examines how the ideas of heritage -- oftentimes Eurocentric -- are interpreted, contested, and put into practice in various Asian countries. We will consider what are identified as natural and cultural heritage, as well as the tangible and intangible aspects of heritage, while critiquing the divide between natural/cultural and tangible/intangible. Key themes relating to heritage will be introduced through case studies on scenic sites, historical landmarks, agricultural landscapes, oral traditions, food and cuisine, and digital heritage. The course will engage in current debates about the ownership and authenticity of heritage, by taking into account the negotiations of cultural memories and identities, economic resources, and political struggles at the local, national, and global level. We will work towards developing a comparative framework for understanding natural and cultural heritage not only in Asia but also around the world.